Character Name: Wilhelmina (Minnie) Vautrin Age: 51 years old (born on September 27th, 1886) Gender: female Occupation: teacher and American missionary Social Class: middle-class Financial situation: Although her family was poor, she was able to earn money on her own and attend college. Appearance: Minnie has dark, curly hair that she usually ties in a bun. Her eyebrows are thick and her eyes are very big. She wears glasses, but no other accessories. Her nose is high and she has thin lips. She isn't too skinny nor too fat. Location (map of China): Nanking Habitual locations: She's usually at Ginling Girls College in Nanking, where she teaches students. Daily routine: 6:00- wakes up 6:30- eats simple breakfast 7:00- leaves her house 7:15- arrives at school 7:30- greets students, gets ready to teach 8:00-11:30- class 11:30~12:30- lunch with students 12:30~1:00- break (usually reads books) 1:00~2:30- Bible study with students 3:00~4:00- meeting with teachers 4:15- goes home 4:30~5:30: leisure 5:30- cooks for dinner 6:00~6:30- dinner 7:00~8:30- writes diaries, reads books, prays to God 8:30~9:30- washes, gets ready for bed 10:00- goes to bed Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: With a warm, generous personality, Minnie likes to help others and doesn't feel pressured to do so. She is always hardworking, tries her best at everything, and takes responsibility for the things she does. She strongly opposes violence and fighting. Past/individual-family history: She lost her mother when she was just 6 years old. Even when she was young, she was determined to study hard and make a lot of money for her family. She attended the Illinois State University, then graduated from University of Illinois. She joined the United Christian Missionary Society, which made her become a missionary. Family: She has a mother (who died earlier) and a father. She doesn't have a husband (as of now). Social relations with your own and other classes (people you deal with or know about in other classes, AND your opinions and feelings about them): Since she's an educator at a women's university, she frequently interacts with females who are considered as the low-class. Minnie feels that women deserve the right to study and get treated like men. During the war, she encounters high-class Japanese generals, but she merely sees them as cruel people. Religion: Christian Education: She majored in education during her years at University of Illinois, and graduated with honors in 1912. Not only did she studied for herself, but she was passionate enough to become the head of the education department at Ginling College. She has high regard for education. Portrait: see right http://www.myspace.com/nanking1937/photos/2041170
Diary # I: Calm Before the Storm
July 1st, 1937 Dear Diary,
My biggest fear has become a harsh reality, at last. Even since I was an innocent child, I knew that war shouldn’t happen. Here I am now, in the beautiful city of Nanking, faced with Japan’s declaration of war on China. I do not know what I need to do. Is there something I can do to help the country? Every night, I dream of red blood spilling all over the streets and people crying out in pain.
with my friends in front of Ginling College
What I am most concerned about is not myself, but these poor Chinese people, especially the younger ones. They are in great panic right now, and some of my students at Ginling College have asked me for help. I wish I had the power to save them, to make them suffer less and enjoy their lives more. War has not officially started yet, but the Chinese are already planning to leave their home country. Those who have survived during the first war between Japan and China know that a terrible future is ahead of them. As a foreigner in China, some might consider me as a pitiful individual because I’m not even Chinese. However, I would rather stay with my students and go through the war together, instead of running off to America. As of now, the best I can do is to keep my position at the school and stay with them for company. If anyone comes to me and ask me to shelter him or her, I am determined to do so without hesitation. Back when I was a little girl, my mother used to tell me that no matter what situation I’m dealing with, I can’t forget to have mercy for others. I remember each and every one of God’s sayings, and I’m going to keep my faith. Under a desperate situation like this, I really need his guidance and support.
Even as I'm writing this diary, my hands are trembling in terror. These brutal scenes of China cannot be explained in words. The Japanese have been burning the homes of these innocent people and murdering them with such indifferent attitudes. Even a month ago, the Japanese invasion of Nanking was considered as a mere rumor by many. For that reason, not a lot of people decided to run away. Looking back, leaving this city would have been a wiser choice. When I see the intimidated faces of young Chinese children on the street, my heart throbs with pain. What makes me angrier is how they mistreat Chinese women; they are being sexually abused, getting forced to entertain the soldiers. As a woman, I understand how this would be both physically and mentally unpleasant. A few weeks ago, I saw a Chinese girl who looks like a 12-year old, getting captured by the Japanese soldiers. She was with her mother, and both of them looked extremely frightened. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do anything but pray for their future. It might seem crazy, but I also have sympathy for the Japanese soldiers. I know that what they’re doing to the Chinese are inhumanly cruel and violent, but I also know that they weren’t born to do this. Not all of them are killing thousands of lives on their own will; instead, it’s simply their duty to do so. As a foreigner, I see things from various perspectives, and this lets me see what the soldiers actually have in mind. Recently, I’ve heard stories that the International Committee is creating a demilitarized zone for Chinese refugees. This is the happiest news I’ve heard these days. If this happens, I’m definitely going to make my college as a refugee camp and take care of the Chinese. Yesterday, I had a talk on the phone with my old friend, James Henry McCallum. I am so grateful to have someone who I can share my feelings with, someone I can rely on during a devastating time like this. Since we are both American missionaries, we have similar views about what is going on with China and Japan. I looked myself in the mirror this morning and I looked paler than ever. After watching so many sights of blood everywhere, I’ve vomited a lot. My body, heart, and mind... they are all ruined. I have to emphasize again, that the Japanese invasion isn’t just an agony for a few people. So many lives are being taken away, and all of them will go to heaven for sure. Without my family, without a husband, without someone to tell me that everything is going to be alright, I am feeling terribly lonely. If I felt too lazy, I wouldn’t even keep writing my diaries. Yet, I continue this in hopes of keeping a record of this unforgettable event and to tell the people of the future about the history of China. I wish that time could just stop now, and the number of deaths wouldn’t increase anymore. Merciful God, if you are looking at what’s happening in this city, if you feel the same pain as all of us do, if you know what this war is turning China into, then please help us.
Dear Father, I am feeling a pang of guilt as I’m writing this letter... I apologize deeply for breaking the promise to keep in touch with you all the time. Despite all the chaotic events that are happening here, I have to ask you first: is everything going all right? How is your health? I would love to listen to your stories when I meet you again. I do not want to worry you, but it is absolutely disastrous here in Nanking, China. Perhaps, the word ‘disastrous’ does not even fit this situation; it is far more disturbing than you could picture in your mind. This place, which was once filled with joyful and proud Chinese, has finally been captured by the Japanese. About a week ago, I saw the confident, beaming look on General Matsui, who is the general of the Japanese Imperial Army, as he was entering our city. A few days after, I saw General Tang Sheng-chi, the general of the Chinese army, commanding his men to retreat. The sore and bitter expression on his face clearly contrasted with that of the Japanese General. This is when I realized that everyone’s fate now depends on which side they’re on: Japan or China. There is no escape.
children in the refugee camp
In this country, my duty is to keep in charge of one of the refuges appointed by the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone. I am not forced to do this; it is simply my own desire to help out the Chinese civilians as a foreigner. The school that I founded--Ginling College--has become a shelter for many of the poor. At first, I thought everyone could be unharmed here, but it was foolish of me to think that way. Even though it is supposed to be a demilitarized zone, the cruel Japanese soldiers attack this place every once in a while. As they break in, crushing all the furnitures and breaking the windows, young women and innocent children scream in horror. I shout out for mercy, but my voice is unheard. The whole point of building a university for women in China was to give equal educational rights to women, but looking at all the raping and sexual harassment going on, all my efforts seem to be futile. I understand if you are angry at me right now since I made a choice to stay here. However, at this point, what I need from you is support. Dad, I do not regret my decision and I’m sure that this is what God wishes me to do. Please don’t worry about me. I love you so much.
The month of January has gone by quickly, and it is already February. I remember how I used to play in the snow during the winter when I was a girl. Back then, the white snow seemed so pure and innocent... but with blood dripped on top, it isn’t so beautiful now.
Japanese soldiers coming to attack civilians
There are many terrible and gruesome sights I’ve witnessed for the past few weeks. About 10 days ago, I heard news that a poor Chinese family is hiding in their house in fear to step into the outside world. When I heard this, I decided to visit them and bring them to my refugee camp so that they can be at least protected and taken care of. However, not even half an hour passed when the Japanese soldiers banged the front door fiercely. When the door was opened, they burst in with their huge guns, threatening us to stay still. The young children were in extreme panic, and they started wailing out loud. These inhuman men... they didn’t hesitate a moment to shoot the kids. My mind went blank as if I was shot, too. Then, the Japanese soldiers searched around the house, and killed every family member they saw. When nobody was left except me, they glared at me and stomped outside. I wanted to ask God why this family had to die. What about me? Why did they let me live? It was so heartbreaking to carry the violent scenes with me back home. I find myself getting internally weaker everyday. I have some friends left and other foreigners, but to be honest, my loneliness is uncontrollable. There was a time when I couldn’t stop myself from bursting into tears. It was about a month ago, and I was in one of the refugee camps in the Nanking Safety Zone as usual. As I was watching the starving and injured people around me, I was overwhelmed by my emotions. Just then, our leader of the committee, John Rabe, touched my shaking shoulders. When I looked up, I was very embarrassed to show myself crying. He calmed me down, and said, “You do not have to speak. I understand everything.” It was such a warm voice, just like my parents’ voice. He told me that what I’m doing is an honorable job and I should always stay strong. After listening to him, I felt a slight happiness that I haven’t felt for a very long time.
My nightmares are all over now. The horrifying days are all gone. Yet, the innocent civilians of China are not here any longer, too. I can never forget the lives that were lost during the war, but having seen so many brutal scenes, the peace I have right now is such a sweet treat for me. I am grateful to be alive, but feels great sorrow for the sacrifices that have been made. I’m writing this diary back in my homeland, America. My dearest father is as healthy as ever. Some say that he’s an old man ready to face death, but I don’t think so. I appreciate my father for understanding me so well... if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be who I am right now. He is the one who had let me aid so many people during a crucial time. The world has changed so much. The Japanese, who once massacred the Chinese, have been massacred by Americans. They were the violent people back then, but their souls have been hurt during their war with the U.S. Who would have thought that the mighty Japan during the Nanking Massacre would surrender to someone else? Once again, I have to remind myself that nothing lasts forever, especially power. Unfortunately, many countries are constantly fighting over territories. I don’t think this will ever end unless humans lose their greediness, which seems to be impossible. I treasure my experiences in China. I have become a stronger and wiser person while staying there, and it let me see the world in a different point of view. However, if I were to be born again, I do not wish to be a part of the war again. The horror of watching people getting shot, beheaded, raped, and murdered can’t ever be explained or understood with words. The pain of being life-threatened every moment of your life... how can it be felt by someone not actually there? I hope that my diaries are well-kept and found by others in the future so that they can learn how many lives had been given up. May God watch over us all the time and keep us by his side.
Name: Wilhelmina (Minnie) Vautrin
Age: 51 years old (born on September 27th, 1886)
Gender: female
Occupation: teacher and American missionary
Social Class: middle-class
Financial situation: Although her family was poor, she was able to earn money on her own and attend college.
Appearance: Minnie has dark, curly hair that she usually ties in a bun. Her eyebrows are thick and her eyes are very big. She wears glasses, but no other accessories. Her nose is high and she has thin lips. She isn't too skinny nor too fat.
Location (map of China): Nanking
Habitual locations: She's usually at Ginling Girls College in Nanking, where she teaches students.
Daily routine:
6:00- wakes up
6:30- eats simple breakfast
7:00- leaves her house
7:15- arrives at school
7:30- greets students, gets ready to teach
8:00-11:30- class
11:30~12:30- lunch with students
12:30~1:00- break (usually reads books)
1:00~2:30- Bible study with students
3:00~4:00- meeting with teachers
4:15- goes home
4:30~5:30: leisure
5:30- cooks for dinner
6:00~6:30- dinner
7:00~8:30- writes diaries, reads books, prays to God
8:30~9:30- washes, gets ready for bed
10:00- goes to bed
Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: With a warm, generous personality, Minnie likes to help others and doesn't feel pressured to do so. She is always hardworking, tries her best at everything, and takes responsibility for the things she does. She strongly opposes violence and fighting.
Past/individual-family history: She lost her mother when she was just 6 years old. Even when she was young, she was determined to study hard and make a lot of money for her family. She attended the Illinois State University, then graduated from University of Illinois. She joined the United Christian Missionary Society, which made her become a missionary.
Family: She has a mother (who died earlier) and a father. She doesn't have a husband (as of now).
Social relations with your own and other classes (people you deal with or know about in other classes, AND your opinions and feelings about them): Since she's an educator at a women's university, she frequently interacts with females who are considered as the low-class. Minnie feels that women deserve the right to study and get treated like men. During the war, she encounters high-class Japanese generals, but she merely sees them as cruel people.
Religion: Christian
Education: She majored in education during her years at University of Illinois, and graduated with honors in 1912. Not only did she studied for herself, but she was passionate enough to become the head of the education department at Ginling College. She has high regard for education.
Portrait: see right
http://www.myspace.com/nanking1937/photos/2041170
Diary # I: Calm Before the Storm
July 1st, 1937Dear Diary,
My biggest fear has become a harsh reality, at last. Even since I was an innocent child, I knew that war shouldn’t happen. Here I am now, in the beautiful city of Nanking, faced with Japan’s declaration of war on China. I do not know what I need to do. Is there something I can do to help the country? Every night, I dream of red blood spilling all over the streets and people crying out in pain.
What I am most concerned about is not myself, but these poor Chinese people, especially the younger ones. They are in great panic right now, and some of my students at Ginling College have asked me for help. I wish I had the power to save them, to make them suffer less and enjoy their lives more. War has not officially started yet, but the Chinese are already planning to leave their home country. Those who have survived during the first war between Japan and China know that a terrible future is ahead of them.
As a foreigner in China, some might consider me as a pitiful individual because I’m not even Chinese. However, I would rather stay with my students and go through the war together, instead of running off to America. As of now, the best I can do is to keep my position at the school and stay with them for company. If anyone comes to me and ask me to shelter him or her, I am determined to do so without hesitation. Back when I was a little girl, my mother used to tell me that no matter what situation I’m dealing with, I can’t forget to have mercy for others. I remember each and every one of God’s sayings, and I’m going to keep my faith. Under a desperate situation like this, I really need his guidance and support.
Picture: http://snowysoso.blogspot.com/2009/05/minnie-vautrin.html
Diary # 2: A Knock at the Gate
November 18th, 1937
Dear Diary,
Even as I'm writing this diary, my hands are trembling in terror. These brutal scenes of China cannot be explained in words. The Japanese have been burning the homes of these innocent people and murdering them with such indifferent attitudes. Even a month ago, the Japanese invasion of Nanking was considered as a mere rumor by many. For that reason, not a lot of people decided to run away. Looking back, leaving this city would have been a wiser choice. When I see the intimidated faces of young Chinese children on the street, my heart throbs with pain. What makes me angrier is how they mistreat Chinese women; they are being sexually abused, getting forced to entertain the soldiers. As a woman, I understand how this would be both physically and mentally unpleasant. A few weeks ago, I saw a Chinese girl who looks like a 12-year old, getting captured by the Japanese soldiers. She was with her mother, and both of them looked extremely frightened. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do anything but pray for their future.
It might seem crazy, but I also have sympathy for the Japanese soldiers. I know that what they’re doing to the Chinese are inhumanly cruel and violent, but I also know that they weren’t born to do this. Not all of them are killing thousands of lives on their own will; instead, it’s simply their duty to do so. As a foreigner, I see things from various perspectives, and this lets me see what the soldiers actually have in mind.
Recently, I’ve heard stories that the International Committee is creating a demilitarized zone for Chinese refugees. This is the happiest news I’ve heard these days. If this happens, I’m definitely going to make my college as a refugee camp and take care of the Chinese. Yesterday, I had a talk on the phone with my old friend, James Henry McCallum. I am so grateful to have someone who I can share my feelings with, someone I can rely on during a devastating time like this. Since we are both American missionaries, we have similar views about what is going on with China and Japan.
I looked myself in the mirror this morning and I looked paler than ever. After watching so many sights of blood everywhere, I’ve vomited a lot. My body, heart, and mind... they are all ruined. I have to emphasize again, that the Japanese invasion isn’t just an agony for a few people. So many lives are being taken away, and all of them will go to heaven for sure. Without my family, without a husband, without someone to tell me that everything is going to be alright, I am feeling terribly lonely. If I felt too lazy, I wouldn’t even keep writing my diaries. Yet, I continue this in hopes of keeping a record of this unforgettable event and to tell the people of the future about the history of China. I wish that time could just stop now, and the number of deaths wouldn’t increase anymore. Merciful God, if you are looking at what’s happening in this city, if you feel the same pain as all of us do, if you know what this war is turning China into, then please help us.
Picture: http://tamagawaboat.wordpress.com/nanking-massacre/
Diary # 3: The Gates Come Tumbling Down
Dear Father,
I am feeling a pang of guilt as I’m writing this letter... I apologize deeply for breaking the promise to keep in touch with you all the time. Despite all the chaotic events that are happening here, I have to ask you first: is everything going all right? How is your health? I would love to listen to your stories when I meet you again.
I do not want to worry you, but it is absolutely disastrous here in Nanking, China. Perhaps, the word ‘disastrous’ does not even fit this situation; it is far more disturbing than you could picture in your mind. This place, which was once filled with joyful and proud Chinese, has finally been captured by the Japanese. About a week ago, I saw the confident, beaming look on General Matsui, who is the general of the Japanese Imperial Army, as he was entering our city. A few days after, I saw General Tang Sheng-chi, the general of the Chinese army, commanding his men to retreat. The sore and bitter expression on his face clearly contrasted with that of the Japanese General. This is when I realized that everyone’s fate now depends on which side they’re on: Japan or China. There is no escape.
In this country, my duty is to keep in charge of one of the refuges appointed by the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone. I am not forced to do this; it is simply my own desire to help out the Chinese civilians as a foreigner. The school that I founded--Ginling College--has become a shelter for many of the poor. At first, I thought everyone could be unharmed here, but it was foolish of me to think that way. Even though it is supposed to be a demilitarized zone, the cruel Japanese soldiers attack this place every once in a while. As they break in, crushing all the furnitures and breaking the windows, young women and innocent children scream in horror. I shout out for mercy, but my voice is unheard. The whole point of building a university for women in China was to give equal educational rights to women, but looking at all the raping and sexual harassment going on, all my efforts seem to be futile.
I understand if you are angry at me right now since I made a choice to stay here. However, at this point, what I need from you is support. Dad, I do not regret my decision and I’m sure that this is what God wishes me to do. Please don’t worry about me. I love you so much.
With sincere love,
Wilhelmina Vautrin
December 18th, 1937
Picture: http://www.bloggang.com/mainblog.php?id=soubirous&month=18-01-2008&group=7&gblog=46
Diary # 4: Through the Gates into HellFebruary 2nd, 1938
Dear Diary,
The month of January has gone by quickly, and it is already February. I remember how I used to play in the snow during the winter when I was a girl. Back then, the white snow seemed so pure and innocent... but with blood dripped on top, it isn’t so beautiful now.
There are many terrible and gruesome sights I’ve witnessed for the past few weeks. About 10 days ago, I heard news that a poor Chinese family is hiding in their house in fear to step into the outside world. When I heard this, I decided to visit them and bring them to my refugee camp so that they can be at least protected and taken care of. However, not even half an hour passed when the Japanese soldiers banged the front door fiercely. When the door was opened, they burst in with their huge guns, threatening us to stay still. The young children were in extreme panic, and they started wailing out loud. These inhuman men... they didn’t hesitate a moment to shoot the kids. My mind went blank as if I was shot, too. Then, the Japanese soldiers searched around the house, and killed every family member they saw. When nobody was left except me, they glared at me and stomped outside. I wanted to ask God why this family had to die. What about me? Why did they let me live? It was so heartbreaking to carry the violent scenes with me back home.
I find myself getting internally weaker everyday. I have some friends left and other foreigners, but to be honest, my loneliness is uncontrollable. There was a time when I couldn’t stop myself from bursting into tears. It was about a month ago, and I was in one of the refugee camps in the Nanking Safety Zone as usual. As I was watching the starving and injured people around me, I was overwhelmed by my emotions. Just then, our leader of the committee, John Rabe, touched my shaking shoulders. When I looked up, I was very embarrassed to show myself crying. He calmed me down, and said, “You do not have to speak. I understand everything.” It was such a warm voice, just like my parents’ voice. He told me that what I’m doing is an honorable job and I should always stay strong. After listening to him, I felt a slight happiness that I haven’t felt for a very long time.
Pictures:
http://www.tribo.org/nanking/pressrelease.html
http://www.ovimagazine.com/art/5168
Diary # 5: A Survivor
March 7th, 1950
Dear Diary,
My nightmares are all over now. The horrifying days are all gone. Yet, the innocent civilians of China are not here any longer, too. I can never forget the lives that were lost during the war, but having seen so many brutal scenes, the peace I have right now is such a sweet treat for me. I am grateful to be alive, but feels great sorrow for the sacrifices that have been made.
I’m writing this diary back in my homeland, America. My dearest father is as healthy as ever. Some say that he’s an old man ready to face death, but I don’t think so. I appreciate my father for understanding me so well... if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be who I am right now. He is the one who had let me aid so many people during a crucial time.
The world has changed so much. The Japanese, who once massacred the Chinese, have been massacred by Americans. They were the violent people back then, but their souls have been hurt during their war with the U.S. Who would have thought that the mighty Japan during the Nanking Massacre would surrender to someone else? Once again, I have to remind myself that nothing lasts forever, especially power. Unfortunately, many countries are constantly fighting over territories. I don’t think this will ever end unless humans lose their greediness, which seems to be impossible.
I treasure my experiences in China. I have become a stronger and wiser person while staying there, and it let me see the world in a different point of view. However, if I were to be born again, I do not wish to be a part of the war again. The horror of watching people getting shot, beheaded, raped, and murdered can’t ever be explained or understood with words. The pain of being life-threatened every moment of your life... how can it be felt by someone not actually there? I hope that my diaries are well-kept and found by others in the future so that they can learn how many lives had been given up. May God watch over us all the time and keep us by his side.
Picture: http://history.gr.jp/~nanking/chapter02_05.html
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k55vmAmEbaA